Tag Archives: faith

What Do You Do When You Get It All Wrong?

January 16, 2016 Effie Barba

I awoke this morning with these ideas circling in my head. As I began to write down some of the thoughts; I realized that I needed to share these with you today. So, I filmed this video for you.

4 points to remember when you get it all wrong

1. It is not about how many times I have failed God. It is about how many times that God’s loving Grace has searched for me, found me buried in despair, and asked “Child, do you love me?” “Yes, my Lord, with all my heart!!”, I reply. “Then my Child, come take my hand. We have work to do. The fields are white with harvest. Feed my sheep.”

2. It is not about how many times Satan has sifted me and left me like dust on the board of life. It is about how many times God takes that pulverized flour and makes bread to feed those who are hungry.

3. It is not about how many dreams I have toward doing things for God—no matter how lofty they might be. It is about how many times God picks up the shattered pieces of those dreams, then reflects His Glory through them to shine His light upon another soul. Changing the eternity of another through the shatter pieces of what once was my dreams.

4. It is not about what I can do for God. It is about what He can do with a broken heart, and feeble weary hands when that heart has come to realize that He is my greatest treasure. He is my Joy, my hope, and the love I have so longed for.

So, dear friend; if you think that God can not use you to shine forth His Glory. Think again. He loves you and His mercy is new every morning. I needed to tell you that today.

I wrote and published my book A Broken and Contrite Heart in 2011 which was an in depth look at what do you do when you get it wrong. Although, I have grown spiritually since it’s publication; it remains a good place to begin or continue your journey of Grace. Whenever, I forget (as sometimes we humans do); I have to return to that place in which I realized that it has always been all about Grace and Grace Alone.

If you wish to purchase a copy, you may click the link or go to Amazon.com or BarnesandNobles.com to order one.

If indeed, you wish a copy and cannot afford it; please email me. Depending upon the response, I will try to honor you with a copy. Understanding that in the modern book market; I, the author, must purchase my own books from the publisher. So, as I am able and God permits, I will try to fulfill those requests.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned with of course the exception of my own book for which I receive a small commission from Authorhouse, the publisher. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Christian Blog

What to Do When I Fail With All My Heart?

January 11, 2016 Effie Barba

What to Do When I Fail With All My Heart?

Often I have heard sermons on Peter’s denial. I have listened intently as pastors explained the different analogies concerning why Peter failed this test. I have heard it explained that Peter failed because he followed Jesus at a distance or that he became too concerned for his own life. Others commentaries say that he stood with the wrong crowd as he warmed himself by the fire. We wish we could find a reason for his failure. Then we would find the formula that prevents us from stumbling as well. My heart so longs to love God better!! I want to be a testimony for Him. I want to always present Him well. I wish I could find the truth as to why despite my desire to please Him, to love Him and to follow Him; sometimes, I make a mess of it all. When that happens, then, like Peter—all I can do is to fall before God’s throne of Grace to weep a little while.

Peter truly loved the Master. He had left everything to follow Him. At times, Peter was a bit tempestuous like the sea he had fished in. Yet, his heart longed to please the Master. This had been a long night as Jesus told them that He must go away so that the Comforter would come. Jesus tried to prepare them; but, Peter didn’t really want to hear this. He didn’t know how He would survive without Jesus being present to guide Him. Was it fear that caused Peter to deny Jesus? I don’t think so. Peter had pulled out his sword in front of a cohort of soldiers; but, Jesus told him to put it away. Peter had followed while others had scattered. He didn’t know what the plan was next. He needed Jesus to tell him the plan. “Where do I go now? What do I do now? If I am not to fight for you, then what?” Haven’t you been there? I have. In those moments of waiting when you feel so lost and alone, uncertain as to what the next step is. Those moments when you are praying with all your heart and soul not to fail God; then, you find yourself flat on your face in the mud anyway.

Continue reading What to Do When I Fail With All My Heart? →

Christian Poetry

Poetry Sunday Out of the Darkness, I hear Your Love Song

January 3, 2016 Effie Barba

This Christian Pilgrimage will always be laden with mountains and valleys deep. We can rest assured that God has a perfect plan that will guide us along the way. Sometimes in the evening hours, I may feel defeated by the day or discouraged by my own heart’s foolish desires. Yet, this I know. God is everyday and every night about the task of perfecting my heart so that one day, I will be His Radiant, Unblemished Child. Then, I will fully understand the depth of His love and be filled with the fullness of His Joy. For now, I stand firm; clothed in the Righteousness of Christ. Last night as I went to bed, I had no song to write. As I whispered a prayer before I went to sleep, I asked God to send me a new song by morning break. I awoke with these words playing in my head. He is an Amazing Father. He is my fountain of Joy in the deserts of my heart. He is my Greatest Treasure and the Love of my Life.

Out of the Darkness, I hear Your Love Song

By Effie Darlene Barba

I gazed at the world, such sorrows abound

The tragedies, trials which seem to surround

I looked deep in my heart where sadness I found

From foolish desires and dreams so profound

Like smoldering flames upon desert ground

That burned into ashes and scattered around

I whispered then softly a cry with a prayer

A plea sent resounding throughout the night air

“Forgive me, I know this foolish heart of mine

Sometimes does tend to moan and to whine

I truly do wish my heart could be free

To Love you, My Lord as You have loved me.”

I did not then wait to hear your reply

As off to my bed I did go with a sigh

Then Out of the darkness I hear your love song

Erasing my sorrows from all I’ve done wrong

Enwrapped by your presence I know I belong

My frail, broken heart began beating so strong

For You are the Joy for which I so long

“Oh love of my life, stay here by my side

My Savior, My Lord in your grace I abide

Lying here in my bed, tightly tucked in your arms

I drift back to sleep safe from all of life’s harms”

And then I awake, to face a brand new day

Restored by your love, I bow down to pray

“Oh let my life song be a tribute to you

A light in the darkness the world now to view

How your Mercy and Grace did my heart now renew

From the ashes of sorrow, a garden you grew

Like Rivers and fountains of Joy in my heart

Bringing life to this desert-a fresh brand new start

Oh, Thank You dear Lord for all that you’ve done

But mostly I thank you for Your Precious Son.

The perfect reflection of all that you are

My Savior, My King, My Bright Morning Star”

[bctt tweet=”Never be afraid to lay your burdens, fears, & frailties at the foot of the cross every evening “] [bctt tweet=”You will be awakened by God’s Gracious Love and Joy will be yours in the morning light.”]

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2015

Photo used courtesy of Unsplash.com. I added the inscription.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Christian Poetry

Poetry Sunday-God’s Song of Love

December 27, 2015 Effie Barba

Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing Zephaniah 3:14-17

Zephaniah was written to the nation of Israel during a time in which they had forsaken God. It was a call to repentance as King Josiah reigned. King Josiah had found the books of the law which had been ignored by the people and upon reading them wept bitterly—humbly He worshipped God and lead the people into a revival. Zephaniah also preached a revival song in which he declared that God would in mercy call forth a people of His own. His Love would provide the way of salvation. The Mighty Warrior who was foretold of is Jesus Christ. He would come with such Glory and Grace that all who believed would humbly bow before His throne of Grace—their sins forgiven. The power and the might of my salvation is firmly held in God’s Mighty Powerful Love—He will sing a song of joy over me. He it is that cradles me in His arms of love. I can rest assured in His Arms of love through any circumstance. He will finish all that He has started in my life. Cradled safe in His Arms of Love, I am filled with Joy, Hope, and Peace. I hear His voice singing over me His precious lullabye—victory’s song.

God’s Song of Love

by Effie Darlene Barba

I fell before your precious throne

With broken heart so all alone

My tears were falling like the rain

And then I heard this sweet refrain

CHORUS

I have loved you before the dawn of time

Desired to give my joy sublime

My love held tight

By my own might

Come, dear child, I’ll hold you near

Wrapped in my love there is no fear

Cradled tight within my arms

Safely kept from this world’s harms

I’ll sing my song of love for you

Your hope and joy I will renew

Amazed by grace, my hope did grow

Enlightened heart his love doth know

All fear now gone, I rise to run

For I am God’s dear precious one

As He sang

CHORUS

I have loved you before the dawn of time

Desired to give my joy sublime

My love held tight

By my own might

Come, dear child, I’ll hold you near

Wrapped in my love there is no fear

Cradled tight within my arms

Safely kept from this world’s harms

I’ll sing my song of love for you

Your hope and joy I will renew

So, as I walk this journey here

I’ll love and live without the fear

For I will stand with faith so strong

Because for me He sings this song

CHORUS

I have loved you before the dawn of time

Desired to give my joy sublime

My love held tight

By my own might

Come, dear child, I’ll hold you near

Wrapped in my love there is no fear

Cradled tight within my arms

Safely kept from this world’s harms

I’ll sing my song of love for you

Your hope and joy I will renew

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Christian Poetry

Poetry Sunday: I’d Traveled Far

December 13, 2015 Effie Barba

My life’s journey has lead me to so many places and so wondrously has allowed me to meet so many amazing people along the way. Today’s poem, I wrote in October 2013 as I was preparing to leave Orlando and move to Columbia, Missouri. In 2003, I had left Springfield, Missouri to go to Orlando. I was uncertain why God had sent me to Orlando; yet, I with some hesitation had gone. Some many dear friends I met every step of this journey—so many have been beacons of light sent by God to guide me.

I’d Traveled Far

By Effie Darlene Barba

I’d traveled far across this land

Unto the eastern shore

Uncertain of what God had planned

Alone, I stood once more

I’d heard Him bid for me to go

Twas all I needed know

And then I saw, as time did pass

His plan begin unfold

I had been placed within His class

To learn His love untold

And as I saw His Glory Shine

His joy, His love now mine

I met dear friends along this way

That helped me as I grew

And others stumbling blocks did lay

God used to guide me too

That I might see His Grace His might

With Christ my guiding light

And Now I know that I must go

To leave these all behind

I wonder if my life did show

A Glimpse of God’s dear mind

And did my life His Glory shine

Within this mirror of mine

Oh, Lord I have this one request

When memories of me rise

That they might see how I was blessed

Your Grace my greatest prize

You took this broken, selfish heart

To fill Your Love Impart

So, can you Lord, use all I’ve done

Though blend of good and bad

To point them Lord to your dear son

His Grace, His Love did clad

A simple person such as I

With righteousness on High

I don’t usually include a song on Poetry Sunday; but, today I shall. The song I think so clearly speaks of my life’s journey is Call it Grace.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.